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Devotees pin donations on to the saint
Photos by New York Scugnizzo
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By Giovanni di Napoli
Saturday evening (June 13th), my friends and I headed to SoHo for the Festa di Sant'Antonio at the beautiful Shrine Church of St. Anthony of Padua (154 Sullivan St.). Mass was celebrated with Father Joe Lorenzo, followed by a procession through the bustling streets of Lower Manhattan.
Louise Acampora and the Red Mike Festival Band kept the revelry going, as participants prayed and sang hymns in honor of our glorious patron. An occasional burst of confetti from the truck carrying the saint elicited cheers from the crowd. After about an hour, we returned to the church to venerate the saint’s relic.
Same as last year, my friends and I wandered over to Carmine Street for a delicious celebratory dinner at Numero 28 Pizzeria. Naturally, on a Saturday night there was a short wait for a table, so we took the opportunity to visit the Shrine Church of Our Lady of Pompeii across the street, before being seated.
Following our delicious meal, we took a short passeggiata and briefly stopped by Father Demo Square. A peaceful little triangle with benches and a fountain, there is a terrific view of the church bell tower. It was the perfect way to cap off our long, but edifying, evening. Viva Sant'Antonio!
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| Standard bearers head the procession |
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| Special thanks to Toni Rosa for her hard work and dedication |
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| The Red Mike Festival Band |
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| Nearly a thousand people participated in the procession |
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| Returning to the church |
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| Reliquary inside St. Anthony's Church |
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| Sant'Antonio is returned to his place of honor beside the altar |
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| Afterward, we visited Numero 28 Pizzeria for a celebratory meal |
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| A view of the Our Lady of Pompeii bell tower from Father Demo Square |
